Jude Bellingham has quickly become one of the brightest stars in football since joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2023. However, the 20-year-old England midfielder recently shed light on the speculation surrounding a potential move to Liverpool during that transfer window, revealing that the move “wasn’t as close as people made out.” Now focused on a blockbuster UEFA Champions League clash against the Premier League leaders, Bellingham also shared his thoughts on Madrid’s recent performances and his admiration for his “hero,” Steven Gerrard.
The Liverpool Links That Never Materialized
During the summer of 2023, Bellingham was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. Rumors swirled that he could be the marquee signing to revitalize the Merseyside midfield, and his admiration for Gerrard only fueled those speculations. However, Bellingham has now clarified that the connection between him and Liverpool was overstated.
“Maybe they led people on a little bit in terms of that,” Bellingham remarked in an interview with TNT Sports. “When Madrid came knocking, I felt like that was the perfect club for me.”
While Liverpool fans may have been hopeful, the young star ultimately decided that joining Real Madrid was the right step for his career.
“Steven Gerrard is a massive hero of mine,” Bellingham admitted, referencing his childhood admiration for the Liverpool legend. “It would be nice to have a Steven Gerrard-esque performance tomorrow, but it will be very difficult, so we’ll see.”
When asked if he might consider a move to Liverpool in the future, Bellingham was firm in his commitment to Los Blancos. “I’m very happy at Madrid. I think the next 10, 15 years will be in white for me,” he said, emphasizing his long-term ambitions with the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid’s Champions League Struggles
While Bellingham has been thriving individually since joining Real Madrid, the team’s Champions League campaign has been far from smooth. As the defending champions, Madrid has already suffered two defeats in the group stage, including a disappointing 3-1 loss to AC Milan and a heavy 4-0 thrashing by archrivals Barcelona in La Liga.
Despite these setbacks, Madrid has shown resilience in recent weeks, narrowing the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona with back-to-back wins over Osasuna and Leganes. Bellingham played a crucial role in both victories, finding the net in each match and helping to restore some confidence within the squad.
“In the last couple of games, we’ve started to pick it up again,” Bellingham said about Madrid’s recent form. “Before that, we’d had a couple of poor results, and everyone talks about a crisis, but we don’t really see it like that.”
Bellingham believes the term “crisis” has been overblown by the media, especially given Madrid’s overall position in both domestic and European competitions.
“If being in a crisis means you’re four points behind with a game in hand [in La Liga] and still fighting in the Champions League, then it’s not the worst situation in the world to be in,” he said.
Contrasting Fortunes for Liverpool
While Real Madrid has been grappling with inconsistent form, Liverpool has enjoyed a stellar start to their Champions League campaign under new manager Arne Slot. The Premier League leaders have won all four of their group-stage matches, defeating top-tier opponents such as AC Milan, RB Leipzig, Bologna, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Their domestic performances have been equally impressive, with the Reds sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table. The club’s resurgence this season has showcased a reinvigorated squad determined to challenge for silverware on all fronts.
The upcoming clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Anfield promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the Spanish giants looking to regain their footing in Europe and the Reds aiming to extend their unbeaten run.
Bellingham’s Role at Madrid
Since joining Madrid, Bellingham has emerged as a vital player for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The midfielder has adapted seamlessly to life in Spain, showcasing his versatility, vision, and goal-scoring ability.
His performances have silenced any doubts about whether he could handle the pressure of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Despite the team’s struggles in the Champions League, Bellingham remains optimistic about Madrid’s prospects.
“As players, you’re always a bit more relaxed about that sort of thing,” he explained, referring to the team’s recent rough patch. His calm demeanor and maturity have been evident both on and off the pitch, making him a key figure in Madrid’s ongoing quest for success.
A Bright Future Ahead
While the Liverpool chapter of Bellingham’s career may never come to fruition, his current trajectory at Real Madrid suggests he has found the perfect stage to continue his development. At just 20 years old, he has already achieved remarkable success and shows no signs of slowing down.
Bellingham’s admiration for Steven Gerrard and the legacy of Liverpool remains a poignant reminder of the paths not taken. However, his commitment to Real Madrid signals a bright future filled with opportunities to write his own legacy.
As the Champions League showdown approaches, all eyes will be on Bellingham as he steps onto the Anfield pitch—this time as an opponent. Whether he delivers a “Steven Gerrard-esque performance” or not, one thing is clear: Jude Bellingham’s star will continue to shine brightly in the footballing world.
With Madrid looking to overcome their group-stage challenges and Liverpool pushing to maintain their dominant form, the clash between these two footballing giants promises to be an unmissable spectacle. For Bellingham, it’s another chance to showcase why he chose Madrid—and why they chose him.
